The Bourne Identity

2002 Action/Adventure

The best-selling suspense novel by late author Robert Ludlum comes to the screen for a second time, following a 1988 made-for-TV movie. Matt Damon stars as Jason Bourne, a barely alive amnesiac with a pair of bullet wounds in his back, pulled from the Mediterranean by Italian fishermen. Bourne's only clue to his own identity is a bank account number etched on a capsule implanted in his body. He quickly finds the Zurich bank where money, a gun, and a few identification documents await, but after he's pursued by security goons at the American consulate, Bourne realizes he can trust no one and offers a German gypsy named Marie (Franka Potente) ten thousand dollars for a ride to Paris. Encountering more professional killers bent on his destruction, Bourne discovers that he possesses a surprising degree of skill in combat, martial arts, and linguistics -- handy talents that clearly indicate his past includes work as a spy and assassin, but for whom? With Marie's reluctant help, Bourne edges closer to the truth, something CIA officials want concealed at all costs. The Bourne Identity co-stars Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox, and Julia Stiles. more..

Director: Doug Liman

Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen,Brian Cox

Reviews

  • Blisteringly fast, Bourne also has a strong or striking supporting actor around every corner: Chris Cooper, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles and Clive Owen in roles that range from meaty to amazingly small.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    27 April 2013

  • One of those rare thrillers where the cops aren't fools, villains don't turn stupid at crucial moments, and career assassins seldom miss targets.

    Lawrence Toppman - Charlotte Observer

    27 April 2013

  • This is an entertainment that really entertains because any number of interesting and unexpected choices were made, starting with the selection of Doug Liman as the director.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    27 April 2013

  • The outcome is distinctive and entertaining. There's no way you'd mistake this for James Bond, and no reason you would want to.

    Joe Morgenstern - The Wall Street Journal

    27 April 2013

  • A skillful action movie about a plot that exists only to support a skillful action movie. The entire story is a set-up for the martial arts and chases. Because they are done well, because the movie is well-crafted and acted, we give it a pass. Too bad it's not about something.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Top Box Office Films

    ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (2003)

  • Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2003)

     
  • Outstanding Achievement in Fight Choreography

    American Choreography Awards (2003)

  • Contemporary Film

    Art Directors Guild (2003)

     
  • Best Sound Editing in Domestic Features - Dialogue & ADR

    Motion Picture Sound Editors (2003)